Several Scottish universities have been awarded millions of pounds by Chinese state-related bodies in the past four years, which has been viewed as foreign influence in the UK's academic sector. These institutions include the University of Edinburgh, the University of Glasgow, Heriot-Watt University, the University of Aberdeen, and the University of Strathclyde.
Confucius Institutes affiliated with these universities have been found to have financial ties, according to an investigation by the Daily Mail. These institutes are meant to promote Chinese culture and language outside China, but critics have been concerned about their role in pushing CCP-aligned narratives. The investigation found that the University of Strathclyde received £1,610,424 from Chinese sources since 2020, while the University of Aberdeen received £334,630 through Hanban and Wuhan Universities. The University of Edinburgh accepted £1,473,593 from Fudan University, and Heriot-Watt University received approximately £500,000 through the International Education Foundation and Tianjin University. In total, Confucius Institutes in Scotland have received £3,975,461, with Glasgow University's figures still undisclosed, which may mean that the actual amount could be higher.
The UK's Intelligence and Security Committee has warned that Confucius Institutes could influence students by teaching a version of Chinese culture and history that reflects the CCP's interests. Former Conservative Security Minister Tom Tugendhat also raised concerns over these institutes being threats to civil liberties within universities. However, the universities concerned have categorically denied allegations of undue influence or interference in their academic independence.
In response, the University of Aberdeen pointed to its global partnership ethos. Its spokesperson said: "The Confucius Institute is a bridge of language and culture that provides knowledge exchange opportunities between China and the people in northeast Scotland. It operates some successful Chinese-language classes and events for the local community to understand each other.
University of Strathclyde also came to the defense of its funding. It said, "Any funding provided to local authorities is ringfenced to support progressive language learning experiences and greater equity for Scottish learners. All activities adhere to standards set by the General Teaching Council of Scotland".
Heriot-Watt University underlined the importance of international cooperation. A university representative said, "Our Confucius Institute enhances our academic life, enhances cross-cultural awareness and understanding worldwide. These collaborations are thoroughly scrutinized to preserve academic freedom and institutional independence".
The University of Edinburgh also replied by emphasizing its independence in an academic environment. "The Confucius Institute for Scotland facilitates free and critical discourse on China as well as promotes cultural exchange and communication". No academic freedom was ever lost and debate was never clogged through our connection to the Confucius Institute", according to a representative of the institution. Moreover, funding for projects in terms of cultural undertakings and teaching the Chinese language does not comprise any aspect of research fund", added the university.
Confucius Institutes are a global initiative supported by the Chinese government to enhance cultural exchange and understanding. However, their presence in academic institutions worldwide has sparked debates about transparency and the potential for political influence. In Scotland, their role and the associated funding are under scrutiny amidst growing concerns over foreign influence in the UK’s higher education sector.
These aside, the universities argue that the partnerships are critical to fostering global cultural understanding and academic excellence. The universities claim that rigorous due diligence ensures that such collaborations are compatible with their values and preserve academic freedom.
While the investigation throws light on the extent of Chinese financial involvement in Scotland's universities, it also highlights the broader challenges of balancing international partnerships with safeguarding institutional autonomy and academic independence. The debate underscores the complexities of global academic collaboration in a politically charged environment.
